{"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"authorState":{"author":{"headers":{"timestamp":"2025-03-10T20:49:37+00:00"},"authorId":35545,"data":{"name":"Robert Stehlik","slug":"robert-stehlik","description":" Robert Stehlik is the founder and owner of Blue Planet Surf, a global SUP and surf brand. Robert is a certified instructor and instructor trainer through the Professional Stand Up Paddle Association, and he has taught thousands to SUP through lessons and coaching. He has also competed in the Paddleboard World Championship race over 10 times. ","photo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}}},"authorLoadedStatus":"success"},"listState":{"list":{"count":1,"total":1,"items":[{"headers":{"creationTime":"2025-03-03T15:57:43+00:00","modifiedTime":"2025-03-03T15:57:43+00:00","timestamp":"2025-03-03T18:01:12+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Sports & Recreation","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34001"},"slug":"sports-recreation","categoryId":34001},{"name":"General Sports & Recreation","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/35412"},"slug":"general-sports-recreation","categoryId":35412}],"title":"Stand Up Paddleboarding For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"stand up paddleboarding for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"stand-up-paddleboarding-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Navigate the world of stand up paddleboarding with ease. Our cheat sheet offers vital tips on gear, techniques, and mistakes to help you paddle confidently.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"When you buy a new electronic gadget, it often comes with a quick-start guide that helps you get up and running. Unfortunately, most stand up paddleboards (SUPs) don’t come with a user manual. Think of this cheat sheet as your quick-start guide to SUP equipment, techniques, and common mistakes.","description":"When you buy a new electronic gadget, it often comes with a quick-start guide that helps you get up and running. Unfortunately, most stand up paddleboards (SUPs) don’t come with a user manual. Think of this cheat sheet as your quick-start guide to SUP equipment, techniques, and common mistakes.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":35545,"name":"Robert Stehlik","slug":"robert-stehlik","description":" <p><b>Robert Stehlik</b> is the founder and owner of Blue Planet Surf, a global SUP and surf brand. Robert is a certified instructor and instructor trainer through the Professional Stand Up Paddle Association, and he has taught thousands to SUP through lessons and coaching. He has also competed in the Paddleboard World Championship race over 10 times. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/35545"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":35412,"title":"General Sports & Recreation","slug":"general-sports-recreation","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/35412"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":235851,"title":"Praying the Rosary and Meditating on the Mysteries","slug":"praying-rosary-meditating-mysteries","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/235851"}},{"articleId":208741,"title":"Kabbalah For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"kabbalah-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","kabbalah"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208741"}},{"articleId":208930,"title":"Anxiety and Depression Workbook For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"anxiety-depression-workbook-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208930"}},{"articleId":230957,"title":"Nikon D3400 For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"nikon-d3400-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","photography"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/230957"}}],"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":301926,"title":"Skateboarding For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"skateboarding-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","sports-recreation","general-sports-recreation"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/301926"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":302647,"slug":"stand-up-paddleboarding-for-dummies","isbn":"9781394276295","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","sports-recreation","general-sports-recreation"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/139427629X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/139427629X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/139427629X-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/139427629X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/139427629X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/stand-up-paddle-boarding-for-dummies-cover-9781394276295-170x255.jpg","width":170,"height":255},"title":"Stand Up Paddleboarding For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"35545\">Robert Stehlik</b></b> is the founder and owner of Blue Planet Surf, a global SUP and surf brand. Robert is a certified instructor and instructor trainer through the Professional Stand Up Paddle Association, and he has taught thousands to SUP through lessons and coaching. He has also competed in the Paddleboard World Championship race over 10 times.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":35545,"name":"Robert Stehlik","slug":"robert-stehlik","description":" <p><b>Robert Stehlik</b> is the founder and owner of Blue Planet Surf, a global SUP and surf brand. Robert is a certified instructor and instructor trainer through the Professional Stand Up Paddle Association, and he has taught thousands to SUP through lessons and coaching. He has also competed in the Paddleboard World Championship race over 10 times. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/35545"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{"key":"cat","values":["home-auto-hobbies","sports-recreation","general-sports-recreation"]},{"key":"isbn","values":["9781394276295"]}]\" id=\"du-slot-67c5ee6924783\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{"key":"cat","values":["home-auto-hobbies","sports-recreation","general-sports-recreation"]},{"key":"isbn","values":["9781394276295"]}]\" id=\"du-slot-67c5ee69264dd\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":0,"title":"","slug":null,"categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/"}}],"content":[{"title":"Equipment","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Choosing the right equipment is essential for success. Here are a few guidelines:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>The board should have sufficient volume for your body weight; ideally, one liter (or more) of volume per pound of body weight is recommended.</li>\n<li>The board should be at least 32 inches wide and stable to make it easier to balance on in a standing position.</li>\n<li>The paddle should be about 6 to 12 inches taller than you.</li>\n<li>If you’re using an inflatable board, make sure to inflate it to the maximum recommended pressure.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Conditions and safety","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Calm, smooth, protected water with minimal wind and waves is ideal for starting out. Using stable equipment in calm conditions sets you up for success and allows you to maintain balance and focus on paddling without battling challenging conditions. Beware of offshore wind (wind blowing you away from shore).</p>\n<p>Always wear a leash — so you can’t get separated from your board — as well as a personal floatation device (PFD), and stay close to shore. Dress for success by being prepared to get wet. Use sun protection in sunny weather and wear a wetsuit if the water is cold. If you must wear glasses, make sure they’re tethered so they can’t sink.</p>\n"},{"title":"Getting wet","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>When you’re ready to paddle, lift the rail of the board up away from you onto its side and then use the center carry handle to lift and carry it into knee-deep water, making sure the water is deep enough to clear the fin. Get on the board by placing your knees on either side of the center handle, making sure your weight is equally balanced over the center of the board.</p>\n<h3>Start paddling on your knees</h3>\n<p>Before you try to stand up, paddling on your knees first is a good idea; this position is more stable. Make sure to switch hands when you switch sides with the paddle, so your outside hand is on the bottom. The blade should be angled forward, toward the front of the board, not angled toward you (which is how most new paddlers hold their paddle intuitively).</p>\n<h3>Steering the board</h3>\n<p>Before you stand up, practice turning the board by using sweeping forward strokes or by using backward strokes to slow down and turn. Try turning the board 360 degrees by paddling forward on one side and backward on the opposite side.</p>\n<h3>Standing up and finding your balance</h3>\n<p>After you’re comfortable paddling and steering the board in the kneeling position, you’re ready to stand up.</p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong> Take a few strokes to build some momentum and lay the paddle across the board in front of your knees, keeping both hands on the paddle. </strong></li>\n<li><strong> Place your feet where your knees were, on either side of the center handle, and stand up. </strong></li>\n<li><strong> Look forward, put your paddle in the water, and start paddling. </strong>Avoid looking down, which makes finding your balance hard. Instead, focus on the horizon or a fixed spot on land to find your balance. After you start moving, you’ll feel more stable.</li>\n</ol>\n<p>If you’re struggling to balance standing up, you can go back down to your knees. You may need a wider, more stable board to learn on, but don’t worry; balancing becomes easier with practice. Just relax and let your legs do the balancing for you.</p>\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Remember: Don’t forget to have fun! Balancing is easier if you’re relaxed. So don’t take yourself too seriously, be ready to get wet, smile, and enjoy!</p>\n<h3>Paddle handling and technique basics</h3>\n<p>Most beginners use mainly their arms to paddle. To generate more power and be more efficient, get a wide grip on your paddle, plant the whole blade in the water, and use your whole body to propel yourself forward by twisting your torso and leaning into the stroke. Reach forward, take relatively short strokes, and avoid pulling the paddle past your feet.</p>\n<h3>Trimming the board</h3>\n<p>The board glides, tracks best (goes straight), and is most stable when your body weight is close to the center of the board. Make sure your feet are on either side of the handle, which is close to the center of the board.</p>\n<h3>Falling in and getting back on board</h3>\n<p>Don’t worry about falling into the water; it’s part of the learning process. Don’t try to catch your fall by falling onto the board, because you can hurt yourself that way. Just fall into the water flat, like a starfish, so you don’t hit the bottom.</p>\n<p>To get back onto the board, hold onto the center carry handle. Get your legs close to the water surface and kick your feet behind you like you’re swimming (not down like you’re trying to push off the bottom). Then slide your chest back onto the board, turn, and get back into the kneeling position.</p>\n<h3>Coming back to shore</h3>\n<p>As you return to shore, get back into the kneeling position, carefully set one foot down, lift up the board from the rail, and then carry it back up the shore. A grassy, shady spot is ideal for setting the wet board down. Avoid setting it on sand; the sand will stick to the board.</p>\n<p>Here’s a link to the video version of this quick-start guide: <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kKDfD_XfgMAvoiding Common Beginner SUP Mistakes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kKDfD_XfgMAvoiding Common Beginner SUP Mistakes</a></p>\n"},{"title":"SUP Lingo For Dummies","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>As part of this cheat sheet, let me offer you a good reference for commonly used terms by category.</p>\n<h3>SUP types</h3>\n<p><strong>All-round (or cruiser):</strong> Versatile board shape for cruising and small waves</p>\n<p><strong>Downwind race board:</strong> Designed for catching open ocean swells</p>\n<p><strong>iSUP:</strong> Inflatable boards that are easy to transport and store</p>\n<p><strong>Foil SUP:</strong> Designed to work with a foil mounted under the board</p>\n<p><strong>Race board:</strong> Long and narrow displacement shape optimized for speed</p>\n<p><strong>River SUP:</strong> Maneuverable and stable board designed for whitewater</p>\n<p><strong>Surf SUP:</strong> Shorter board with curvy outline designed to excel in the waves</p>\n<p><strong>Touring SUP:</strong> Longer displacement-type shape with many attachment points</p>\n<p><strong>Wing SUP:</strong> Board with a sail attachment point that allows it to be used as a windsurf board</p>\n<p><strong>Yoga SUP:</strong> Wide and stable board designed for practicing yoga poses</p>\n<h3>Hardboard construction</h3>\n<p><strong>Carbon fiber:</strong> Stronger and stiffer than fiberglass but not as resilient</p>\n<p><strong>Blank:</strong> The foam core inside the board; can be shaped by hand, by a computer shaping machine, or molded</p>\n<p><strong>Epoxy resin:</strong> Two-part resin used to laminate most SUP boards</p>\n<p><strong>EPS (expanded polystyrene):</strong> Lightweight foam blank most commonly used for SUPs</p>\n<p><strong>EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate):</strong> Closed-cell (will not absorb water) soft foam used for deck pads</p>\n<p><strong>Fiberglass:</strong> fabric-like woven sheets of thin glass threads, available in different weights</p>\n<p><strong>High density foam:</strong> Closed-cell (will not absorb water) foam (usually PVC) used as a thin layer in sandwich construction and around inserts to strengthen the weaker EPS foam core</p>\n<p><strong>Innegra: </strong>Highly resilient weave but difficult to sand</p>\n<p><strong>Kevlar:</strong> Another highly resilient weave that’s difficult to sand</p>\n<p><strong>Laminating:</strong> The process of saturating flexible layers of woven materials with liquid resin that cures into a hard, solid surface</p>\n<p><strong>Polyester resin:</strong> Legacy resin used for surfboard construction; should not be used to repair epoxy boards</p>\n<p><strong>Sandwich construction:</strong> Layering different materials to create a thicker, stronger outer shell using a mold or vacuum bagging process</p>\n<p><strong>UV curing resin:</strong> Resin that cures when exposed to UV light</p>\n<p><strong>Wood veneer:</strong> Thin layer of wood or bamboo used between layers of fiberglass to strengthen the outer shell</p>\n<h3>iSUP construction</h3>\n<p><strong>Double-layer:</strong> Boards covered with a second layer of PVC for more durability and stiffness</p>\n<p><strong>Dropstitch:</strong> Thousands of internal threads that keep the top and bottom layers of a board flat and control the thickness of the board; dense, woven, heat-fused dropstitch material is the best technology as of this writing</p>\n<p><strong>Fusion:</strong> Process of bonding the layers (laminating) with heat and pressure; lighter, stronger, stiffer, more durable than glued construction</p>\n<p><strong>Recommended PSI:</strong> Amount of air pressure (in pounds per square inch) a board can handle; maximum recommended pressure is usually between 15 and 20 psi.</p>\n<p><strong>Sidewall construction:</strong> Makeup of the rails; plays a critical role in quality and longevity</p>\n<p><strong>Single-skin:</strong> Dropstitch material covered with a single layer of PVC; lightweight and inexpensive but more flexible and less durable than double-layer construction</p>\n<p><strong>Stringers:</strong> A variety of stiffening materials designed to reduce flex and bounce</p>\n<p>Traction</p>\n<p><strong>Arch bar:</strong> Bump in the center of the tail pad under the arch of the foot that provides tactile foot placement feedback and traction</p>\n<p><strong>Deck pad:</strong> EVA foam pad that provides a grippy, comfortable surface</p>\n<p><strong>Tail kick:</strong> Raised bump at end of the tail pad for critical maneuvers; provides leverage and keeps the foot from sliding off the back of the board</p>\n<p><strong>Tail pad:</strong> Placed over the fins of surf SUPs to provide back-foot traction for maneuvers</p>\n<p><strong>Wax mat:</strong> Thinner, lighter traction without padding</p>\n<h3>Board attributes</h3>\n<p><strong>Action camera mount:</strong> Some boards have a recessed insert on the nose that allows you to mount an action camera attachment</p>\n<p><strong>Bottom:</strong> The board side facing the water</p>\n<p><strong>Boxy/full rails:</strong> Thick rails with more volume; make the board more stable and forgiving</p>\n<p><strong>Deck:</strong> The top of the board</p>\n<p><strong>Dimensions/specs:</strong> The length, width, thickness (usually measured in feet and inches) and volume (in liters) of a board; may also include the weight</p>\n<p><strong>Glide:</strong> How well a board moves through the water</p>\n<p><strong>Leash:</strong> Safety strap that attaches you to the board</p>\n<p><strong>Leash plug:</strong> Plug on the tail of the board to attach a leash</p>\n<p><strong>Nose:</strong> The front end of the board</p>\n<p><strong>Pin tail:</strong> Tail that comes to a sharp point; used for big waves and advanced conditions</p>\n<p><strong>Rails:</strong> The sides of the board</p>\n<p><strong>Rail tape:</strong> Protective tape applied to the rails of the board to protect it from paddle strikes and scratches when you set the board down on the rails</p>\n<p><strong>Round tail:</strong> Hybrid between a squash tail and pin tail</p>\n<p><strong>Squash tail:</strong> Square tail shape with rounded corners; versatile, most common</p>\n<p><strong>Swallow tail:</strong> Tail shape with two tips; used on surf SUPs</p>\n<p><strong>Tail:</strong> The back end of the board</p>\n<p><strong>Tapered rails:</strong> Thinned-out rail shape that bites into the wave better; good for performance surfing and critical conditions but not as stable as full rails</p>\n<p><strong>Vent plug:</strong> Allows air pressure between the foam core and the outside to neutralize; most have a self-venting membrane that allows air (but not water) to pass through</p>\n<p><strong>Volume:</strong> The amount of floatation or buoyancy a board has; measured in liters</p>\n<h3>Deck/Hull types</h3>\n<p><strong>Displacement hull:</strong> A rounded bottom shape and curvy rails designed to pierce through the water and direct the water flow around the hull; creates less drag at normal paddle speeds than a planing hull</p>\n<p><strong>Domed deck:</strong> A rounded deck shape often seen on surfboards; not as comfortable to stand on as a flat deck</p>\n<p><strong>Dugout:</strong> A deeply recessed standing area used on race boards to lower the center of gravity to improve balancing of narrow boards</p>\n<p><strong>Planing hull:</strong> A flat bottom board with sharp rails in the back that allows the board to create lift and slide over the water (plane) at higher speeds, reducing the wetted area</p>\n<p><strong>Recessed deck:</strong> A deck where the standing area is slightly concave and recessed</p>\n<h3>Fins</h3>\n<p><strong>Base:</strong> Measurement from lowest front point to the rearmost point of the fin</p>\n<p><strong>Depth:</strong> Length of fin; the exposed height of the fin as measured from bottom of board to the tip of the fin</p>\n<p><strong>Fin box(es):</strong> The area or areas on the bottom of the board that allow fins to be installed and removed</p>\n<p><strong>Fin setup:</strong> The arrangement and number of fins on a board, which can affect performance and handling</p>\n<p><strong>Rake:</strong> Measurement of how far behind the trailing edge of the base the tip of the fin extends</p>\n<p><strong>Single fin:</strong> One larger center fin; tracks well, has the least drag, and is the most versatile</p>\n<p><strong>Skeg:</strong> Another name for fins</p>\n<p><strong>U.S. center fin box: </strong>Standard-size center fin box that can accommodate a wide variety of fins</p>\n<h3>Fin setups for SUP surfing</h3>\n<p><strong>2+1:</strong> A three-fin setup with a larger center fin and two smaller side fins</p>\n<p><strong>Quad fins:</strong> Uses four side fin boxes consisting of front and rear quad fins; provides good speed and hold on faster waves</p>\n<p><strong>Thruster:</strong> Using three fins that are close to equal in size, one in the center fin box and two in the forward side fin boxes; provides good drive, stability, and control</p>\n<h3>Paddle attributes</h3>\n<p><strong>Blade: </strong>The flat, wide end of the paddle that grabs the water</p>\n<p><strong>Blade edge:</strong> The thin outer perimeter edge of the paddle blade</p>\n<p><strong>Blade size:</strong> Usually measured in square inches of surface area</p>\n<p><strong>Flutter:</strong> The tendency of the blade to wander from side to side during the power phase</p>\n<p><strong>Dihedral:</strong> The raised spine shape on the face of the blade to direct water flow and minimize flutter</p>\n<p><strong>Handle:</strong> The top end of the paddle that the upper hand grips and pushes down on</p>\n<p><strong>Neck:</strong> The transition between the shaft and the blade</p>\n<p><strong>Paddle guard: </strong>Protective material applied to the paddle edge to protect both the blade edge and the rails of the board from getting damaged if the paddle hits the rails</p>\n<p><strong>Power face:</strong> The side of the blade that compresses against the water</p>\n<p><strong>Shaft:</strong> The long, straight round or oval portion of the paddle between the handle and the blade</p>\n<p><strong>Tapered shaft:</strong> A paddle shaft that tapers from a thicker diameter to a thinner diameter</p>\n<h3>Paddle technique terminology</h3>\n<p><strong>Active stance: </strong>A slightly bent knee posture to improve balance and control</p>\n<p><strong>Catch:</strong> The phase of the paddle stroke where the blade enters the water</p>\n<p><strong>Feathering:</strong> Rotating the power face of the blade outward during the release and recovery phases</p>\n<p><strong>Forward stroke:</strong> Stroke that provides maximum forward propulsion</p>\n<p><strong>Power phase:</strong> Where power is applied to the stroke to propel the board forward past the planted blade</p>\n<p><strong>Reach:</strong> The forwardmost part of the stroke where the blade enters the water</p>\n<p><strong>Recovery:</strong> The part of the stroke where you bring the paddle back forward into the reach position</p>\n<p><strong>Release:</strong> The phase of the stroke where the paddle blade exits the water</p>\n<p><strong>Reverse steering stroke:</strong> A reverse paddle stroke used to slow down or turn the board</p>\n<p><strong>Steering stroke:</strong> A sweeping paddle stroke to turn the board</p>\n<p><strong>Stroke rate:</strong> The cadence or number of strokes per minute</p>\n<p><strong>Strokes per side:</strong> Number of strokes taken on one side of the board before switching to the other side</p>\n<p><strong>Tracking:</strong> How well a board goes in a straight line without yawing</p>\n<p><strong>Yaw:</strong> The tendency of the board to turn while you’re paddling on one side</p>\n<h3>SUP surfing terminology</h3>\n<p><strong>Backside:</strong> Position where your back is facing the wave</p>\n<p><strong>Barrel: </strong>The hollow opening inside of a clean, fast breaking wave</p>\n<p><strong>Bottom turn:</strong> Turning from the trough of the wave back toward the steep part of the wave face by digging the rails into a carving turn</p>\n<p><strong>Bump:</strong> Unbroken swells in deeper, open water; can be wind swells (generated by local wind) or ground swells (generated elsewhere)</p>\n<p><strong>Cutback:</strong> Turning from the shoulder of the wave back toward the powerful pocket of the wave</p>\n<p><strong>Cross Stepping:</strong> A smooth and stylish way to move up and down the board with feet and legs crossing over each other (rather than shuffling the feet)</p>\n<p><strong>Dropping in:</strong> Catching a wave in front of a surfer with priority (that is, the surfer closest to the wave peak); considered poor etiquette</p>\n<p><strong>Dynamic lift:</strong> The hydrodynamic lift generated by the board moving over the water surface (as opposed to static lift generated by the buoyancy of the board)</p>\n<p><strong>Face:</strong> The steep, sloping side of the wave that stands up before breaking</p>\n<p><strong>Floater:</strong> Move that involves riding along the top of a crashing lip before coming back down over the back of the breaking wave</p>\n<p><strong>Frontside:</strong> Position where your chest is facing the wave</p>\n<p><strong>Goofy foot: </strong>Surf stance with the right foot forward and left foot back</p>\n<p><strong>Grom:</strong> A young surfer</p>\n<p><strong>Hollow:</strong> Steep, powerful, barreling waves</p>\n<p><strong>Hanging Ten:</strong> Surfing with both feet on the front of the board and all ten toes hanging off the nose of the board (also see nose riding)</p>\n<p><strong>Impact Zone:</strong> The most powerful area of the surf zone where the waves peak and break</p>\n<p><strong>Kook:</strong> Beginner or someone who is unaware of their surroundings</p>\n<p><strong>Left hander:</strong> A wave that breaks toward the left from the surfer’s vantage point</p>\n<p><strong>Lip: </strong>The tip of the wave that throws out over the bottom of the wave as it slows down over shallow bottom contours</p>\n<p><strong>Mushy:</strong> Describes soft and weaker-breaking waves that don’t get very steep and crumbles (gently rolling white water) from the top; ideal for beginners</p>\n<p><strong>Neutral stance:</strong> Feet parallel to the board, toes pointing forward</p>\n<p><strong>Nose Riding:</strong> Surfing on a wave with both feet close to the nose of the board</p>\n<p><strong>Off the lip:</strong> A critical maneuver where a surfer turns sharply at or near the breaking lip</p>\n<p><strong>Offshore:</strong> A wind that blows toward the ocean; creates cleaner waves</p>\n<p><strong>Onshore:</strong> A wind that blows toward the shore; creates mushy conditions</p>\n<p><strong>Parallel Stance:</strong> Standing on the board with feet close to the rails and toes pointed forward</p>\n<p><strong>Peak:</strong> The tallest crest of the wave where the wave starts to break</p>\n<p><strong>Pearling:</strong> When the nose of the board gets pushed underwater as the wave lifts up the tail when catching a wave.</p>\n<p><strong>Planing:</strong> (see also dynamic lift and wetted surface) when the board slides over the water surface and the weight is supported by hydrodynamic lift rather than volume/ buoyancy.</p>\n<p><strong>Pocket:</strong> The most powerful and critical part of a wave, where the face is steepest; closest to the breaking lip</p>\n<p><strong>Quiver:</strong> An assortment of boards designed for various conditions</p>\n<p><strong>Regular foot: </strong>Surf stance with left foot forward, right foot back</p>\n<p><strong>Right hander: </strong>A wave that breaks toward the right from the surfer’s vantage point</p>\n<p><strong>Set:</strong> A group of larger waves (usually three to ten) followed by smaller waves</p>\n<p><strong>Shoulder:</strong> The sloping side of the face away from the breaking wave</p>\n<p><strong>Snaking:</strong> Paddling around another surfer to give yourself priority; considered poor etiquette</p>\n<p><strong>Staggered stance:</strong> Feet are staggered with one foot farther forward and one farther back for more front-to-back stability</p>\n<p><strong>Surf stance:</strong> Feet sideways along the center line of the board, like on a skateboard</p>\n<p><strong>Swing weight:</strong> Board weight further away from the center of rotation (towards the nose of the board). In essence, shorter, lighter boards have less swing weight which and require less effort to change direction.</p>\n<p><strong>Takeoff:</strong> The moment the board speeds up and slides down the face of the wave</p>\n<p><strong>Trough:</strong> The lowest, bottom part of the wave</p>\n<p><strong>Wave hog:</strong> Someone catching all the best waves without regard to other surfers</p>\n<p><strong>Wetted surface:</strong> the amount of board touching the water while planing over the water surface. The faster the board is moving, the less wetted surface is needed to support the weight.</p>\n<p><strong>Whitewater:</strong> The foaming wave that rolls toward shore after the wave face falls in on itself</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five 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Robert Stehlik

Robert Stehlik

Robert Stehlik is the founder and owner of Blue Planet Surf, a global SUP and surf brand. Robert is a certified instructor and instructor trainer through the Professional Stand Up Paddle Association, and he has taught thousands to SUP through lessons and coaching. He has also competed in the Paddleboard World Championship race over 10 times.

Articles From Robert Stehlik

General Sports & Recreation Stand Up Paddleboarding For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-03-2025

When you buy a new electronic gadget, it often comes with a quick-start guide that helps you get up and running. Unfortunately, most stand up paddleboards (SUPs) don’t come with a user manual. Think of this cheat sheet as your quick-start guide to SUP equipment, techniques, and common mistakes.

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